Hydrogen peroxide vapor system with replaceable desiccant cartridge

ABSTRACT

A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit ( 10 ) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface ( 20 ) and interconnects with an air dryer ( 14 ) by way of nipples ( 72, 92 ). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly ( 42 ) which is latched ( 74, 94 ) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge ( 40 ). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge ( 40 ′) is connected directly to the nipples ( 72, 92 ). When the desiccant cartridge ( 40 ′) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit ( 120 ). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisionalapplication Serial No. 60/361,129, filed Feb. 28, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the peroxy vapor treatment arts,more particularly to hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization anddisinfection. The invention finds particular application in conjunctionwith hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization systems in which peroxidevapor is entrained in dry air which has been dried with a desiccant andwill be described with particular reference thereto. It is to beappreciated that the present invention may be used with other peroxyvapors in conjunction with disinfection, sanitation, and other treatmentprocesses.

[0003] Heretofore, a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water have beenvaporized and entrained in dry air. The vapor and air are pumped into asterilization or other treatment chamber. The hydrogen peroxide reactswith microbial and other decontaminants in an oxidizing reaction whichdeactivates them and converts the vapor molecule from peroxide to water.To maintain a preselected concentration of hydrogen peroxide in thechamber, air and vapor from the chamber are recirculated to thevaporizer. Hydrogen peroxide vapor in the withdrawn air is decomposedcatalytically or by heat to water vapor. The water vapor is then removedfrom the air, leaving dry air to be recirculated to the vaporizer.

[0004] One technique for drying the air was by condensation. However,condensation requires relatively expensive compressors and refrigerationunits. Moreover, such condensation units typically fail to dry the airto a consistent level of humidity.

[0005] Consistent and lower level of humidity have been achieved bypassing the air and water vapor through a desiccant. Although desiccantsdry the air consistently to a low humidity, it typically takes longer toregenerate a desiccant than to saturate it. One way to meet thesedemands was through the use of a desiccant wheel. The air and watervapor were passed through a first portion or section of a desiccantwheel until that section became substantially saturated. The wheel wasthen indexed, bringing a new desiccant portion or section into the airand water vapor flow path. The saturated portion of the desiccant wassubject to a regeneration process over the next several indexedpositions of the wheel. Such onboard systems for regenerating desiccantwere not only expensive and mechanically complex, but also addedsignificant weight and bulk to portable hydrogen peroxide generationsystems.

[0006] The present invention provides a new and improved desiccantdrying system which overcomes the above-referenced problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a peroxyvapor system includes a liquid peroxy solution interface for receiving asource of liquid peroxy solution. A vaporizer vaporizes the liquidperoxy solution and entrains it in air. A replaceable desiccant dryer isconnected with the vaporizer for drying the air.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, areplaceable desiccant cartridge is provided for a vapor hydrogenperoxide generating system that includes a liquid peroxy solutioncartridge interface for interconnection with cartridges of liquid peroxysolution, a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid solution and entrainingthe vapor in air, a clamping unit which receives the desiccant cartridgeto supply the dry air to the vaporizer, the clamping unit including apair of end elements between which the desiccant cartridge is received,a piston mounted in one of the end elements which piston has a sealingface, a second sealing face on the other end element with the sealingfaces facing each other to receive the desiccant cartridge therebetween,and a mechanism for retracting the piston to facilitate removal of asaturated desiccant cartridge and receipt of an unsaturated desiccantcartridge. The disposable desiccant cartridge includes a tubular chamberwith enclosures at either end and a desiccant material received in thetubular chamber. An inlet aperture is defined in one end closure and anoutlet aperture is defined in the opposite end closure. Annular gasketssurround the apertures of the end closures. A screen element at each endaperture retains the desiccant material within the tubular element.Removable seals close the end apertures to prevent humidity fromentering the desiccant cartridge before the seals are removed.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, adryer is provided for a vapor peroxy generation system which includes avaporizer for vaporizing a peroxy composition and water solution andentraining the vapor in dry air, a peroxy vapor discharge outlet throughwhich the peroxy vapor and air are discharged, a vapor and air recoveryinlet into which partially spent peroxy vapor, water vapor, and air arereturned, a dry air inlet nipple projecting from the peroxy vapor unitfor supplying the dry air to the vaporizer, which inlet nipple has alatch engaging surface, and a recovered air and vapor discharge nipplealso having a latching surface. The dryer includes a first end elementhaving a bore for receiving the dry air inlet nipple in a fluid tightrelationship and a second end element having a bore for receiving therecovered air and vapor discharge nipple in a fluid tight relationship.A desiccant chamber is connected between the first and second endelements. A first latch mechanism mounted to the first end elementengages the dry air inlet nipple latching surface for latching the firstend element to the dry air inlet nipple. A second latch mounted to thesecond end element engages the recovered air and vapor discharge nipplelatch surface for latching the second end element to the recovered vaporand air discharge nipple.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, aquick connect/disconnect apparatus is provided. A holder has a firstportion and a second portion. The first and second portions are rigidlyconnected and spaced apart so as to receive a cartridge therebetween.The first portion has an inlet port and an outlet port. The secondportion also has an inlet port and an outlet port. The outlet port ofthe first section is fluidicly connectable to a first port of thecartridge and the inlet port of the second portion is fluidiclyconnectable to the second port of the container. The first portion ofthe holder has a clamping mechanism operable after the cartridge hasbeen placed in the holder to clamp the cartridge between the first andsecond portions such that the output port of the first portion is inalignment with the first port of the container and the input port of thesecond portion is in alignment with the second port of the container. Atleast one clamp is located on the holder engageable with a fixturelocated on a device to securely affix the holder to the device.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, aquick connect/disconnect desiccant dryer is provided. An upper portionand a lower portion are spaced apart and a container is rigidly affixedto the apparatus that extends between the upper portion and the lowerportion. The container holds a desiccant. The upper portion and thelower portion each have an input port and an output port. The outputport of the upper portion is fluidicly connected to a first port of thecontainer; and the input port of the lower portion is fluidiclyconnected to the second port of the container. At least one clamp whichis located on the apparatus is engageable with a fixture located on adevice to securely affix the dryer to the device.

[0012] One advantage of the present invention resides in its simplicityand low cost.

[0013] Another advantage of the present invention resides in theassurance of adequate desiccant drying capacity.

[0014] Another advantage of the present invention resides in theassurance of dry air with a predictable low humidity level.

[0015] Still further advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading andunderstanding the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention may take form in various components andarrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements ofsteps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating a preferredembodiment and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0017]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a hydrogen peroxide vapordecontamination system in accordance with the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side-view of the peroxy vapor generation system;

[0019]FIG. 3 is an end-view of the system of FIG. 2;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a top view of the vaporizer unit and disposable dryercartridge embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3;

[0021]FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the desiccant cartridge of FIGS.2-4;

[0022]FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of an end portion of thecartridge of FIG. 5;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a side-sectional view of the desiccant cartridgereceiving assembly of FIGS. 2-4;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a front view of an upper portion of the assembly of FIG.7;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 10 is an side view of the vaporizer system of FIG. 2 with analternate, reusable dryer;

[0027]FIG. 11 is an end view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 10;

[0028]FIG. 12 is a top view of the vaporizer unit and reusable dryercartridge embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 with front access panel doorspartially open;

[0029]FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the reusable dryer cartridgeof FIGS. 10-12; and

[0030]FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic illustration of a regenerator unit forthe cartridge of FIGS. 10-13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a vapor generation unit10 vaporizes a peroxy solution from a solution source 12 and entrainsthe vapor in dry air which has been dried by a dryer 14. The dry air andvapor are conveyed to a treatment chamber, such as an isolator 16.

[0032] In the preferred embodiment, the peroxy solution source is acontainer or cartridge of hydrogen peroxide in water solution which isreceived in a cartridge interface 20. Once in the cartridge interface,the cartridge is interconnected with a dip tube assembly for withdrawingthe solution. Although a solution of hydrogen peroxide in water vapor ispreferred, other solutions are contemplated, such as peracetic acid andwater, other peroxy compounds and water, peroxy compounds in alcohol andwater, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen peroxideand water solution is 35-50% hydrogen peroxide.

[0033] The vaporizer system includes an injection pump 22 which injectsmetered amounts of the peroxy solution into a vaporizer 24. Thevaporizer, in a preferred embodiment, is a heated surface, such as aheated plate or the interior surface of a bore onto which the peroxysolution is sprayed or injected forming peroxy and water vapor. Dry airfrom the dryer 14 is preheated in a preheater 26 and supplied to thevaporizer to entrain the hydrogen peroxide or other peroxy vapor andwater vapor. The vapor entrained in the air is supplied to the treatmentchamber 16.

[0034] In the treatment chamber, hydrogen peroxide vapor interacts withmicrobes and other contaminants in an oxidation reaction, deactivatingthe microbial material and leaving water vapor suspended in the air.Thus, with time, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the treatmentchamber drops. To maintain the concentration of hydrogen peroxide vapor,a portion of the vapor and air is withdrawn and fed through a destroyer28, such as copper pellets. The copper pellets catalytically degrade theremaining peroxide vapor into water vapor and oxygen. A blower 30, whichprovides the motive force to move the air and vapor, pumps the air andwater vapor to the dryer 14. Desiccant in the dryer absorbs the watervapor such that air of accurately predictable low humidity is dischargedto the preheater 26. In this manner, air of known humidity is suppliedto the vaporizer, permitting the vaporizer to optimize the concentrationof peroxide vapor without condensation. It will be noted that if asignificant amount of unexpected water vapor were returned to thevaporizer, the additional vapor content of the saturated air could pushthe total vapor content of one or both of the peroxide and the watervapor beyond the condensation point.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the dryer 14 includes a disposabledesiccant cartridge 40 which is clamped into a clamping assembly 42.

[0036] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the desiccant cartridge includesa cylindrical tube 44 which is closed at either end with end caps 46 toform a cartridge of preselected length. Apertures 48 are definedcentrally in each end cap to allow for the passage of gas into and outof the cartridge. The apertures are covered on the inside by disks 50 ofscreening material to retain a desiccant 52. A water vapor impermeableend seal 54 is adhesively adhered over an exterior of each opening toprevent the desiccant within the cartridge from absorbing water vaporbefore it is mounted in the clamping assembly 42. The aperture in eachend is surrounded by a resilient gasket 56, such as a closed cell foamof a material which is inert to hydrogen peroxide or other circulatedgases.

[0037] With reference again to FIGS. 2 and 3, and further reference toFIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the clamping assembly 42 includes a pair of endelements 60, 62 and pair of tie angles 64 which maintain the end pieces60, 62 in a preselected, fixed spaced relationship. The lower endelement 62 includes an inlet connection port or bore 70 forinterconnection with an outlet nipple 72 of the vapor generator assembly10. A latch assembly 74 engages a lip 76 around the outlet nipple tomaintain the clamping assembly 42 attached to the vapor generator. Theinlet port includes an L-shaped passage terminating in an outlet port 78adjacent an inlet to the cartridge. The lower assembly has a smoothsealing face 80 surrounding the outlet port 78 to provide an air-tightseal with the lower gasket 56. The lower assembly includes anupstanding, semi-circular guide portion 82 which receives and positionsa lower end of the cartridge centered on the outlet port 78.

[0038] The upper element 60 includes an outlet port 90 which isdimensioned to be received in a fluid-tight relationship with a nipple92 of an inlet port for dry gas on the vaporizer unit 10. A latchassembly 94 locks the upper element to the nipple assembly lip 95. Theupper element 60 includes an L-shaped passage terminating in an inletport 96. The inlet port 96 is surrounded by a piston 98 of largerdiameter than the gasket 56 of the desiccant cartridge. The pistondefines a smooth, polished sealing face 100 which forms a sealingrelationship with the desiccant cartridge gasket. The piston 98 isretracted by pulling a handle 102 toward the user, away from thevaporizing unit 10. Springs 104 bias the piston toward engagement withthe gasket of the desiccant cartridge. When a desiccant cartridge is tobe inserted, the handle 102 is pushed away from the user, retracting thepiston. This loosens the seal between the piston and the gasket of theused desiccant cartridge which is removed. The adhesive seals 54 of thenew desiccant cartridge are removed and the desiccant cartridge isinserted into the latching unit 40 until its rear surfaces engage thealignment surface 84 of the lower element 62 and a matching alignmentsurface 106 of the upper element 60. The handle 102 is returned to theangled position allowing the springs 104 to bias the sealing face 100 ofthe piston 98 into a fluid-tight seal with the upper gasket of thedesiccant cartridge. An O-ring 108 between the piston 98 and the upperelement 60 prevents vapor from passing between the piston and the upperend element.

[0039] In one preferred embodiment, the desiccant cartridge is sized inaccordance with the anticipated hydrogen peroxide consumption. In oneembodiment, the dryer is sized to accommodate the moisture from onecycle of the largest enclosure under worst case conditions. In thisembodiment, the desiccant cartridge is replaced at the beginning of eachcycle. In another embodiment, the desiccant cartridge is sized to absorball of the water vapor that is generated by the contents of the hydrogenperoxide cartridge. In this embodiment, the desiccant cartridge isreplaced each time the hydrogen peroxide cartridge is replaced. Inanother embodiment, the desiccant cartridge is sized to be able to holdthe water generated by a plurality of the hydrogen peroxide cartridges.As yet another alternative, the desiccant cartridge includes anindicator which provides a visual indication that the cartridge isnearing saturation and should be replaced. As yet another alternative,the vaporization unit 10 includes a moisture sensor which senses thehumidity of the air entering the preheater. When the humidity starts torise, the vaporization unit provides a visual or audio signal indicatingthat the desiccant cartridge 40 is due for replacement.

[0040] As another alternative, the alignment surfaces 82, 106 haveprojections that are received in corresponding recess in the cartridge40 to ensure accurate alignment. In another alternative, mating surface80 of the lower element 62 and the lower end cap have mating projectionsand recesses outside of the perimeter of the gasket 56 to assurealignment. When the handle 102 is pushed to retract the piston, a pawlholds the piston 98 retracted. A projection or element on the upper endcap interacts with the pawl directly or through a connecting linkage torelease the piston only when the top of the cartridge is properlyreceived to release the piston. As another option, cutters can beprovided on the lower element 62 and the piston 98 to open the end seals54 when the cartridge is properly aligned.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 10-13, in another embodiment, a dryercartridge 40′ is attached directly to the nipples 72, 92 of thevaporizer unit 10. This embodiment includes a first or top element 60′and a second or lower end element 62′ which are interconnected by adesiccant cylinder 44′. The upper end element includes a bore 90′ with agasket configured to receive the uppermost nipple 92 in a fluid-tightrelationship; and the lower end element defines a lower well 70′ and agasket 56′ configured to receive the lower nipple 72 in a fluid tightseal. A lower latch 74′ engages the latching surface of the lower nipple72 and an upper latch 94′ engages the latch surface of the upper nipple92. Screen elements 50′ are disposed adjacent upper and lower outlets ofthe cartridge to contain a desiccant 52′ therebetween. A glass sight 110enables the operator to view a lower desiccant chamber 112 that isdefined between a pair of the lower screens 50′. The color of thedesiccant is an indication to the user whether or not a dryer has beenregenerated. In the preferred embodiment, the desicacant turns clearsoon after the dryer is put in use. The desiccant turns color (blue inthis case) after regeneration.

[0042] Preferably, all components of the reusable desiccant cartridgeare constructed of metal or other materials capable of withstandingrepeated exposure to temperatures on the order of 150° C. Alternately,the cartridge can be a single use cartridge that is disposed after beingused.

[0043] When the desiccant cartridge is saturated or cannot hold themoisture generated by the next cycle to be run, the latches 74′, 94′ arereleased and the drying cartridge is removed and replaced with aregenerated cartridge. With reference to FIG. 14, the saturatedcartridge is placed in a regeneration unit 120. The regeneration unitincludes nipples of the same size and spacing as nipples 72, 92 in thesecond embodiment which are plug into the passages 70′, 90′. Forcartridges of the embodiment of FIG. 5, the manifold 128 includes matingtop and bottom connections. The regeneration unit includes a filter,preferably a HEPA filter 122 which removes airborne contaminants. Ablower 124 blows the filtered air through a heater 126 to a manifold128. The manifold is connected with one or more desiccant cartridges 40′which are to be regenerated. The heated air, heated to about 150° C., isblown through the desiccant entraining the absorbed water, anddischarged to the atmosphere. After the desiccant is fully regenerated,as determined by measuring the temperature of the discharged air with atemperature switch 130, based on time, or other factors, the circulationof heated air through the desiccant is stopped and a cooling fan 132 isstarted. The cooling fan cools the desiccant cartridge back to roomtemperature while the ports of the cartridge remain closed. A lockabledoor 134 is released once the desiccant cartridges have cooled to atemperature that is safe to handle. The desiccant cartridges remainconnected to the manifold to prevent the cooling air from entering thechambers where humidity from the cooling air would be absorbed.

[0044] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the invention be construed as includingall such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within thescope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment, the invention is nowclaimed to be:
 1. A peroxy vapor system including: a liquid peroxysolution interface for receiving a source of liquid peroxy solution; avaporizer for vaporizing the liquid peroxy solution and entraining thevapor in air; and, a replaceable desiccant dryer removably connectedwith the vaporizer for drying the air in which the vapor is beingentrained.
 2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the desiccantdryer includes: a tubular chamber with end closures at either end; adesiccant material in the tubular chamber; an inlet aperture defined inone end closure and an outlet aperture defined in an opposite endclosure; annular gaskets surrounding the apertures of the end closures.3. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the desiccant cartridgefurther includes: a screen element at each end aperture for retainingthe desiccant material within the tubular element; and removable sealsclosing the end apertures to prevent humidity from entering thedesiccant cartridge before the seals are removed.
 4. The system as setforth in claim 2 further including: a window disposed in one of the endclosures.
 5. The peroxy vapor system as set forth in claim 1 furtherincluding: a clamping unit which receives and clamps a desiccantcartridge through which air is drawn to dry the air.
 6. The system asset forth in claim 5 wherein the clamping element includes: a pair ofend elements; a piston mounted in one of the end elements, the pistonhaving a sealing face for engaging a cartridge gasket in a sealingrelationship therewith; a second gasket sealing face on the other endelement; a mechanism for retracting the piston to facilitate removal ofa saturated desiccant cartridge and receipt of an unsaturated desiccantcartridge.
 7. The system as set forth in claim 6 wherein the clampingunit further includes: springs for biasing the piston into contact withthe desiccant cartridge; and, wherein the retracting mechanism includesa manually operable lever which is operated to move the piston againstthe springs retracting it.
 8. The system as set forth in claim 6 furtherincluding: an alignment bracket associated with each end element foraligning the desiccant cartridge gaskets with the gasket sealing facesof the clamping unit.
 9. The system as set forth in claim 6 wherein thevaporizer unit includes a pair of projecting nipples, each having alatch engaging surface; and wherein the end elements each include: abore for receiving one of the nipples in a fluid-tight arrangement, anda latch arrangement for engaging the nipple latch engaging surface forlatching the end elements to the nipples.
 10. The system as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the desiccant dryer includes a desiccant cartridge whichhas a moisture absorption capacity matched to a volume of liquid in aperoxy solution cartridge that is received in the liquid peroxy solutioninterface.
 11. The system as set forth in claim 1 further including: apair of nipples for interconnecting the dryer with the vaporizer and asource of air; the dryer including: a desiccant chamber connectedbetween end pieces, each end piece including a bore that receives one ofthe nipples in a fluid tight relationship, and a latch for latching theend pieces to the nipples.
 12. The system as set forth in claim 11wherein the desiccant chamber is detachable from the end elements, theend elements including: a piston mounted in one of the end elements, thepiston having a sealing face for engaging one face of the desiccantchamber in a sealing relationship therewith; a second sealing face onthe other end element; a mechanism for retracting the piston tofacilitate removal of a saturated desiccant chamber and receipt of areplacement desiccant chamber.
 13. The system as set forth in claim 1further including: a regeneration oven for regenerating saturateddesiccant dryers.
 14. A means for generating peroxy vapor including: ameans for connecting a source of liquid peroxy solution with aninterface for a vaporizer; a means for vaporizing the liquid peroxysolution and entraining the vapor in dry air; a means for supplying theentrained peroxy vapor and air to a point of use; returning air, watervapor, and peroxy vapor from the point of use through a replaceabledesiccant dryer; and a means for releasing the desiccant dryer when orbefore the desiccant dryer becomes saturated, and receiving anunsaturated replacement desiccant dryer.
 15. A replaceable desiccantcartridge for a vapor hydrogen peroxide generating system that includesa liquid peroxy solution cartridge interface for interconnection withcartridges of liquid peroxy solution, a vaporizer for vaporizing theliquid solution and entraining the vapor in dry air, a unit whichreceives the desiccant cartridge to supply the dry air to the vaporizer,the discharge unit including a pair of elements one of which includes adry air discharge passage and the other includes a humid air supplypassage, the desiccant cartridge being received by the pair of elementsin a fluid tight relationship, a piston mounted in one of the endelements, the piston having a sealing face, a second sealing face on theother end element, the sealing faces facing each other to receive thedesiccant cartridge therebetween, and a mechanism for retracting thepiston to facilitate removal of a saturated desiccant cartridge andreceipt of an unsaturated desiccant cartridge, the disposable desiccantcartridge comprising: a tubular chamber with end closures at either end;a desiccant material received in the tubular chamber; an inlet aperturedefined in one end closure and an outlet aperture defined in an oppositeend closure; annular gaskets surrounding the apertures of the endclosures; a screen element at each end aperture for retaining thedesiccant material within the tubular element; and removable sealsclosing the end apertures to prevent humidity from entering thedesiccant cartridge before the seals are removed.
 16. A dryer for avapor peroxy generation system including: a vaporizer which vaporizes aperoxy composition and water solution and entrains the vapor in dry air;a peroxy vapor discharge outlet through which the peroxy vapor and airare discharged; a vapor and air recovery inlet into which partiallyspent peroxy vapor, water vapor, and air are returned; a dry air inletnipple projecting from the peroxy vapor unit for supplying the dry airto the vaporizer, the inlet nipple having a latch engaging surface; arecovered air and vapor discharge nipple having a latching surface; thedryer comprising: a first end element having a bore for receiving thedry air inlet nipple in a fluid-tight relationship, a second end elementhaving a bore for receiving the recovered air and vapor discharge nipplein a fluid-tight relationship, a desiccant chamber connected between thefirst and second end elements, a first latch mounted to the first endelement for engaging the dry air inlet nipple latching surface forlatching the first end element to the dry air inlet nipple, a secondlatch mounted to the second end element for engaging the received airand vapor discharge nipple latch surface for latching the second endelement to the recovered air and vapor discharge nipple.
 17. The dryeras set forth in claim 16 further including: a piston mounted in one ofthe end elements, the piston having a sealing face for engaging one endof a desiccant cartridge in a sealing relationship therewith; a meansfor retracting the piston to facilitate removal of a saturated desiccantcartridge and receipt of an unsaturated desiccant cartridge.
 18. Thedryer as set forth in claim 17 further including: springs for biasingthe piston assembly into contact with the desiccant cartridge; and,wherein the retracting means includes a manually operable lever which isoperated to move the piston against the springs retracting it.
 19. Thedryer as set forth in claim 17 further including: an alignment bracketassociated with each end piece for aligning the desiccant cartridge withthe sealing surfaces of the end elements.
 20. The dryer as set forth inclaim 16 further including: a desiccant cartridge regeneration systemwhich receives the end elements and interconnected desiccant chamber andregenerates the desiccant therein.
 21. A disposable desiccant cartridgecomprising: a tubular chamber with end closures at either end; adesiccant material received in the tubular chamber; an inlet aperturedefined in one end closure and an outlet aperture defined in an oppositeend closure; annular gaskets surrounding the apertures of the endclosures; a screen element at each end aperture for retaining thedesiccant material within the tubular element; and removable sealsclosing the end apertures to prevent humidity from entering thedesiccant cartridge before the seals are removed.
 22. A quickconnect/disconnect desiccant dryer comprising: (a) an upper portion anda lower portion that are spaced apart and a container extending betweenthe upper portion and the lower portion, the container holding adesiccant, the upper portion having an input port and an output port,the lower portion having an input port and an output port, the outputport of the upper portion fluidly connected to a first port of thecontainer and the input port of the lower portion fluidly connected to asecond port of the container; and, (b) at least one clamp located on theapparatus engageable with a fixture located on a device to securelyaffix the dryer to the device.
 23. The dryer as set forth in claim 22wherein the container includes a cartridge removably mounted between theupper and lower portions, the cartridge including: (a) a tubular elementwith opposite ends closed by a top element and a bottom element; (b) afirst port located on the top element and a second port located on thebottom element, the first port and the second port fluidly connected,the desiccant located within the tubular element such that a carrier gaspasses through the desiccant as the gas moves from the second port tothe first port, the first port located on the top of the container suchthat when the container is positioned between the upper and lowerportions, the first port of the container aligns with the input port ofthe upper portion and the second port of the container aligns with theoutput port of the lower portion; (c) sealing means circumferentiallylocated around the first port and the second port of the container suchthat when the container is clamped between the upper portion and thelower portion, the input port of the upper portion and the first port ofthe cartridge are sealed from the atmosphere and the output port of thelower portion and the second port of the container are sealed from theatmosphere.
 24. A quick connect/disconnect apparatus comprising: (a) aholder having a first portion and a second portion, the first and secondportions rigidly connected and spaced apart so as to receive a cartridgetherebetween, the first portion having an input port and an output port,the second portion having an input port and an output port, the outputport of the first portion fluidly connectable to a first port of thecartridge and the input port of the second portion fluidly connectableto a second port of the cartridge; (b) the first portion of the holderhaving a clamping mechanism operable after the cartridge has been placedin the holder to clamp the cartridge between the first portion and thesecond portion such that the output port of the first portion is inalignment with the first port of the cartridge and the input port of thesecond portion is in alignment with the second port of the container;and, (c) at least one clamp located on the holder engageable with afixture located on a device to securely affix the holder to the device.25. The apparatus as set forth in claim 24, wherein said at least oneclamp is located on the first portion further including a second clamplocated on the second portion; and wherein said fixture includes a firstnipple and a second nipple, both the first and second nipples extendingfrom the device, the first nipple having a collar, the collar locatedclose to the device, the first nipple dimensioned to fit snugly withinthe input port of the first portion, the second nipple dimensioned tofit snugly within the output port of the second portion and the clampengageable with said collar to secure said holder to said device. 26.The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the input port of the first portionand the output port of the second portion further include sealing meanslocated within the input port of the first portion and the output portof the second portion so as to effect an air tight seal with said firstand second nipples when said nipples are positioned within said inputport of the first portion and said output port of the second portion.27. A method of generating peroxy vapor including: connecting a sourceof liquid peroxy solution with an interface for a vaporizer; vaporizingthe liquid peroxy solution and entraining the vapor in dry air;supplying the entrained peroxoy vapor and air to a point of use;returning air, water vapor, and peroxy vapor from the point of usethrough a replaceable desiccant dryer; and releasing the desiccant dryerwhen or before the desiccant dryer becomes saturated, receiving anunsaturated replacement desiccant dryer.
 28. The method as set forth inclaim 27 wherein the desiccant dryer includes a cartridge and furtherincluding: clamping the unsaturated desiccant dryer in a flow pathleading to the vaporizer; and, unclamping a saturated desiccant dryerfrom the flow path for replacement with an unsaturated cartridge. 29.The method as set forth claim 28 wherein the source of peroxy liquidincludes a canister containing a preselected volume of peroxy liquid andfurther including: loading a amount of desiccant in the cartridge whichis sufficient to absorb the preselected volume.
 30. The method as setforth in claim 27 further including: regenerating the saturateddesiccant cartridge; attaching temporary seals to openings into thecartridge to prevent the regenerated desiccant from absorbing moisture;and, before reinstalling the regenerated cartridge, opening the seals.